6 comments:

I found how the father(particularly in chapter 3) made a significantly contrasting observation to those of the South on the American government and society in relation to blacks and their culture/upbringing. Following my interest in philosophy and politics, It proceeds the case of "who is right" in the book's instances.

It follows that the system has different effects on different parts of it's society. If that's the case then why is very a more...negative connotation to seemingly opposing observations. The Author those make a clear distinction between demographics and environments, but he adds a suggesting negative opposition to his father's opinion.

Ignorance. The lack of experience that prevent sympathy and empathy for that side; you lack the knowledge and memories of those experiences and become blind to those claims. The fact that someone defines the problem as one case--which is different from your own--is what makes it so "problematic". -DeAndre H.

The 3rd chapter when Ta-Nehisi was talking about his father was important to me. He explained how his father came from a rough background, but through all the negativity he came out a decent man. Even making mistakes along the way. That is an example of how you do not have to come from a privileged background to get somewhere or be someone important. That anyone can make it if they are willing to put effort into it.

In chapter four, I found Coates's discussion on the change of style in music in the late 80's to be profound. Along with the change in music came a change in individuals attitude towards life and its struggles. Coates gave an example of how people felt "blinded , corrupted and consumed by reganomics, base heads, and black on black" (p105).

"My father fought his whole life, but once he'd been like me-from the street but not of it" (p.68). I found this quote to be very memorable. It goes to show you that just because you come from a underprivileged area doesn't mean you have to act the part. It is up to you how you want to live your life. Everyone is going to have some disadvantages in life it's how we handle them that set us apart from each other.

His first fight would have to have been the most memorable part of chapter four. I had been waiting for him to do something manly but he was reluctant to do so. I finally have respect for Ta-Nehisi. It was unfair for him to have been cowardly when he saw his classmate get jumped. What else was memorable was when he started rapping. It was cool to think that he knew the lyrics. G Msengi

Coates's first fight was the most important moment from chapter 4. This shows the powerful influence of the "Knowledge" that runs his community because he is willing to go against his beliefs in order to feel accepted.